BHS, CHP, and Fallon Health Announce Renewed Partnership

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WORCESTER, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems (BHS), Community Health Programs (CHP), and other members of the Health Collaborative of the Berkshires PHO (PHO) announced a renewed partnership with Fallon Health to provide quality, lower-cost health care to members and communities under the state's Medicaid program, which is called MassHealth.
 
"The Berkshire Fallon Health Collaborative has been essential in ensuring that MassHealth members across the Berkshires have access to primary care providers and services," said Darlene Rodowicz, President and CEO of Berkshire Health Systems. "Our continued partnership with Fallon Health and CHP is an integral part of our mission to serve the Berkshire community with the highest standard of care."
 
The PHO and Fallon MassHealth Accountable Care Organization (ACO) offering, known as the Berkshire Fallon Health Collaborative (BFHC), will be available to eligible Medicaid members in the Berkshires. The partnership supports the state's continuation of the Medicaid ACO program.
 
Effective April 1, 2023, MassHealth members identified by the Executive Office of Health & Human Services (EOHHS) as having a Berkshire Health Systems, Community Health Programs, or other PHO Primary Care Provider (PCP) will be enrolled in BFHC. MassHealth is a state-administered Medicaid program—funded by the state and federal governments—that provides health care coverage to eligible individuals.
 
"Our participation in the MassHealth ACO program aligns with Fallon Health's mission and continues a 45-year commitment to caring for those who need us most, predominantly through government-sponsored health insurance programs," said Richard Burke, President and CEO of Fallon Health, noting that Fallon Health was the first health plan in the state to receive a contract to cover Medicaid recipients—and the first health plan in the country to offer a Medicare Advantage plan. 
 
Today, nearly 9 out of every 10 of its members are enrolled in a public health plan.
 
"We are thrilled to collaborate with the outstanding providers at BHS and CHP in our shared efforts to find new, innovative ways to advance primary care that puts patients first and that promotes behavioral health and health equity," added Burke.
 
"We look forward to building on our partnerships with Berkshire Health Systems and Fallon Health to deliver health care and other services to CHP's patients throughout the Berkshires," said Richard H. Gregg, Interim CEO of Community Health Programs.
 
To enroll in BFHC, individuals must live in the service area, which includes all of Berkshire County.

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Pittsfield Extends Interim School Superintendent Contract

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Interim Superintendent Latifah Phillips' employment has been extended to 2027

Last week, the School Committee approved an employment contract that runs through June 30, 2027.  Phillips was originally appointed to a one-year position that began on July 1 and runs through the end of the fiscal year in June 2026. 

"You didn't ask me simply to endure challenges or struggle to prove myself. Instead, you believe in me, you've given me the space to grow, the encouragement to stretch, and the expectation that I can truly soar," she said earlier in last Wednesday's meeting when addressing outgoing School Committee members. 

"You question, you poke, you prod, but not to tear anything down, but to make our work stronger, grounded in honesty, integrity, and hope. You've entrusted me with meaningful responsibility and welcomed me into the heart of this community. Serving you and leading our public schools has been, thus far, a joyful, renewing chapter in my life, and I want to thank you for this opportunity." 

Chair William Cameron reported that the extended contract includes a 3 percent cost-of-living increase in the second year and more specific guidelines for dismissal or disciplinary action. 

Phillips was selected out of two other applicants for the position in May. Former Superintendent Joseph Curtis retired at the end of the school year after more than 30 years with the district. 

The committee also approved an employment contract with Assistant Superintendent for CTE and Student Support Tammy Gage that runs through June 30, 2031. Cameron reported that there is an adjustment to the contract's first-year salary to account for new "substantive" responsibilities, and the last three years of the contract's pay are open to negotiation. 

The middle school restructuring, which was given the green light later that night, and the proposal to rebuild and consolidate Crosby Elementary School and Conte Community School on West Street, have been immediate action items in Phillips' tenure. 

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